Depth of Field Artists

Example of Short DOF

Artist: Diane Arbus (American, 1923-1971)

Title: Lucas Samaras 1966

This photograph captured by Diane Arbus is from the post-war movement. Arbus used a short depth of field in this photograph to ensure that the subjects face was at the center of the image and in focus. This is a good example of a short depth of field because not much around the focus point (the subjects face) is sharp. This is a strong composition because the subjects face being in focus gives the image a mood and the cast shadows on his body help enhance the mood of being somber.

Example of Long DOF

Artist: Walker Evans (American, 1903-1975)

Title: [“The Sem” (1832), Wheaton College, Norton, MA]

This photograph captured by Walker Evans is from the early twentieth century in the United States. The building captured is located in Northern Massachusetts on the Wheaton College campus. Wheaton used a long depth of field in this photograph to capture the size of the building and surrounding area. This is a good example of a long depth of field because area around the focus point (the building) is sharp. This is a strong composition because the building’s strong vertical structure is contrasted by the solid horizontal gate in front of it and across the street. Aside the building sits a tall vertical tree creating a dynamic image that directs the viewers eyes around the image.